History of Omari Spellman in Timeline

Omari Spellman is an American-Lebanese professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Villanova University, winning a national championship in 2018. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, he most recently played for Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League.

July 21, 1997: Birth of Omari Spellman

Omari Spellman was born on July 21, 1997.

2015: High School Basketball at St. Thomas More

During his senior year in 2015-2016 at St. Thomas More in Connecticut, Spellman showcased his basketball talents, achieving an average of 16 points and 7 rebounds per game.

2016: Selection for Jordan Brand Classic

Despite not receiving the McDonald's All-American title, Spellman's skills earned him a spot in the prestigious 2016 Jordan Brand Classic, where he delivered a remarkable performance with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

2016: Five-Star Recruit and Top Player Ranking

In 2016, Spellman was recognized as a five-star recruit and ranked among the top 15 players in his high school class, solidifying his status as a rising basketball talent.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks

On June 21, 2018, Spellman's basketball career reached a new height when he was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks as the 30th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

July 1, 2018: Signing with the Atlanta Hawks

On July 1, 2018, Spellman formally joined the Atlanta Hawks, marking the start of his professional NBA journey.

December 30, 2018: Assignment to the Erie BayHawks

Spellman was given the opportunity to further develop his skills in the G League when he was assigned to the Hawks' affiliate team, the Erie BayHawks, on December 30, 2018.

2018: NCAA Championship Victory with Villanova

In 2018, Omari Spellman secured an NCAA championship title as part of the Villanova Wildcats basketball team.

2018: Redshirt Year, Physical Transformation, and NBA Draft Declaration

In 2018, Spellman went through a redshirt year due to academic reasons, using this time to focus on his physical health and basketball development. He achieved a significant weight loss and honed his skills, ultimately leading him to declare for the 2018 NBA draft.

July 8, 2019: Trade to the Golden State Warriors

Spellman's journey took him to the Golden State Warriors on July 8, 2019, as part of a trade that sent him to a new team with new opportunities.

February 6, 2020: Trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves

On February 6, 2020, Spellman was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with D’Angelo Russell and Jacob Evans in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and a future first-round pick.

November 24, 2020: Trade to the New York Knicks

Spellman's time with the Timberwolves led to another trade, this time sending him to the New York Knicks on November 24, 2020.

January 7, 2021: Waived by the New York Knicks

His stint with the Knicks was short-lived, as he was waived by the team on January 7, 2021.

January 26, 2021: Return to the Erie BayHawks

In a return to familiar territory, Spellman signed with the Erie BayHawks of the NBA G League on January 26, 2021, seeking to further hone his skills and showcase his talent.

August 31, 2021: Signing with Anyang KGC

On August 31, 2021, Spellman embarked on a new chapter in his basketball career, signing with Anyang KGC, a South Korean team, expanding his horizons internationally.

2021: Joining the Chicago Bulls for the Summer League

Spellman's determination to succeed in the NBA was evident in 2021 when he joined the Chicago Bulls for the Summer League, using the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.

March 2023: East Asia Super League Championship and MVP Award

Spellman's time with Anyang KGC was marked by success, including a gold medal victory in the East Asia Super League in March 2023. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Champions Week MVP.

April 18, 2023: Lebanese Citizenship and National Team

On April 18, 2023, Spellman's connection to his Lebanese heritage was strengthened when he acquired Lebanese citizenship, subsequently joining the Lebanon men's national basketball team.

May 2023: First KBL Championship

Spellman achieved a significant milestone in May 2023 when he helped lead Anyang KGC to their first-ever KBL championship, adding another trophy to his collection.

2026: Future Draft Pick Involvement

The trade that sent Spellman to the Warriors also included a future draft pick for 2026, highlighting his value as a player even as teams planned for the future.